Switzerland — wine

Swiss Valais AOC

Switzerland's most important wine region, the Valais stretches along the upper Rhône Valley, sheltered by the Alps on both sides. The unique microclimate — 300+ days of sunshine, warm Foehn winds, and low rainfall — produces Switzerland's most concentrated and complex wines. Fendant (Chasselas) is the dominant white; Dôle (Pinot Noir and Gamay) the classic red; but the region's greatest wines come from indigenous varieties like Petite Arvine, Humagne Rouge, Cornalin (Rouge du Pays), and Amigne de Vétroz. These near-extinct grapes, grown on vertiginous terraced vineyards above the Rhône, produce wines of extraordinary character found nowhere else on earth.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Fine conditions produced Petite Arvine of exceptional aromatic intensity and precision.
2022 Outstanding vintage for Cornalin and Humagne Rouge; concentratedreds of great structure.
2021 Cooler year produced more elegant wines with good acidity and floral aromatics.
2020 Fine vintage; Fendant and Dôle wines of good freshness and typical Alpine character.
2019 Excellent year; Petite Arvine and Humagne Rouge particularly compelling.
2018 A legendary Valais vintage — all varieties showing extraordinary concentration and balance.